NASCAR’s “Terrifying” 3 Hour Experience Forced Shaquille O’Neal to Sleep for 2 Days Straight in 2010

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant big men ever. Even though he is a hilarious guy, on the court he was a fierce competitor. He dominated his opponents and did not give them an inch of breathing space. During his prime, he was one of the fittest athletes as well despite his huge frame. In 2010, when Shaq was at the tail end of his career, he tried his hands at car racing for the reality show ‘Shaq Vs’.

The Big Diesel kept himself busy with appearances on multiple TV shows, movies, songs, etc. One such show was ‘Shaq Vs’ where he challenges other athletes in their own sports. Over the course of two seasons, Shaq challenged some high-profile athletes.

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The Los Angeles Lakers legend raced Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the reality TV show in 2010. Earnhardt Jr. won the Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014. Initially, he raced for his father’s team Dale Earnhardt, Inc. In 2008, he moved to Hendrick Motorsports and remained there until his retirement in 2017. He has 26 wins in the Cup series which ranks him 31st in NASCAR history.

Shaquille O’Neal and Dale Earnhardt Jr. went at it

When Shaquille O’Neal challenged Dale Earnhardt Jr. for a race, he soon found out it was not as easy as just driving a car. The two went head-to-head for 50 laps and Earnhardt Jr won the race comfortably. After the race, Shaq gave his props to the sport and the drivers for what they go through during every race. He admitted it was very difficult and one has to be extremely fit to compete in the sport.

“Whoever said these guys aren’t athletes are out of their minds,” he said. “That was the toughest three hours I’ve ever had in my life. I was fitted for a car, me and Dale raced 50 laps, and I slept for two days after that. I really did.” 

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He added, “I don’t really get scared by a lot of stuff, but I was freaking terrified. You definitely have to be a great shape to do this.”

The former MVP also noted that the sport is not for him and stated one has to be small to survive on the track. At the time, Shaq was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The next season, he joined the Boston Celtics which turned out to be his final season in the league.